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Senior System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - Core Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Senior System Engineer - Core KernelABOUT WIND RIVER Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an ...

Next Step Systems

Senior Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... system operations. - Prepare and distribute technical documentation for all assigned systems and ... Senior Systems Engineer Qualifications: - Expert proficiency in network and storage design and ...

Next Step Systems

Senior Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... system operations. - Prepare and distribute technical documentation for all assigned systems and ... Senior Systems Engineer Qualifications: - Expert proficiency in network and storage design and ...

Raytheon

Senior System Safety Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

What You Will Do   As a   Senior System Safety Engineer, your responsibilities will include:  * Developing and implementing one or more MIL-STD-882E compliant system safety programs 

Raytheon

Senior System Safety Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

What You Will Do   As a   Senior System Safety Engineer, your responsibilities will include:  * Developing and implementing one or more MIL-STD-882E compliant system safety programs 

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Senior System Engineer information

See California salary details

$55.3K

$123.1K

$173.7K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system engineer in California is $123,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior system engineer?

Senior System Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining complex computer systems and networks within an organization. They play a critical role in ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of IT infrastructure. Their tasks often include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing performance, overseeing upgrades, and mentoring junior engineers. Senior System Engineers typically collaborate with other IT teams and departments to support business objectives and technological needs.

What are some common challenges faced by senior system engineers when managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects?

Senior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring system scalability, and maintaining high availability during upgrades or migrations. Managing complex environments requires balancing security, performance, and compliance, all while minimizing downtime. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial to successfully navigating these challenges and delivering robust solutions that meet organizational needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior System Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of system architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and handle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient operation in dynamic IT environments.

What is the difference between Senior System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, deploying, and managing network infrastructure and security
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsTelecommunications, IT, enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonSenior System Engineer vs Network Engineer

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Senior System Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure and security. The roles often overlap but serve different core functions within IT teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior System Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior System Engineer job openings:

Senior System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,099 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Aptiv PLC

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$13K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
ABOUT WIND RIVER
Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.
Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company's software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We've achieved recent 5G milestones including the world's first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.
The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a "Top Workplace" for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.
YOUR ROLE
As a Senior OS Kernel Engineer, you will contribute to the development of kernel components for the VxWorks operating system, supporting implementation, testing, and debugging while collaborating with other senior engineers to ensure performance, reliability, and security.
In your daily job you will:
  • Develop Core OS technologies for our embedded VxWorks OS
  • Develop and deliver high quality design, code, and tests following a CI/CD model and agile methodology
  • Investigate and resolve issues reported during product verification and from customers
  • Create design documents for new technologies and conduct code reviews
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software solutions

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:
  • Strong understanding of operating system concepts
  • Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality
  • Proficiency in C programming with hands-on experience in embedded systems development
  • Experience with assembly, C++, Python, and other development languages is a plus
  • Experience with low-level device drivers, BSP board bring-up, or architecture-level development is a plus
  • Experience in developing software compliant with industry certification standards, including DO-178C, ISO 26262, ASPICE, MIL is a plus
  • Ability to drive a project end-to-end, from concept and requirements through implementation, delivery, and release
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to thrive as an exceptional team player who works well in collaborative environments
  • Self-motivated, fast learner with a demonstrated ability to adopt and master new technologies

BENEFITS
  • Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • RRSP matching for financial security
  • Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance
  • Employee assistance program for mental well-being
  • Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars

Compensation
This role is compensation range is between $130,00 to $160,000 USD plus annual incentive plan bonus. Compensation is determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays.
APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE:
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. At Wind River, we strictly adhere to all applicable data privacy laws. Please review Wind River's Applicant Privacy Notice, which can be found here.
Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.
#LI-AL3
Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here.
Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates
Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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